A felling-free season has begun in Estonia’s forests 22.04

Due to the start of the nesting period of wild birds and wild animals, the State Forest Management Centre (RMK) has declared a two month long felling-free season and is encouraging private forest owners to honour the natural cycle as well.

According to Tavo Uuetalu, Member of Management Board of RMK, the felling-free season, i.e., the implementation of the spring-summer cutting strategy, will last until 15 June.“The purpose of the felling-free season is, above all, the protection of hollow-nesters, such as owls and Falconiformes, as well as Galliformes living on the ground, in coniferous forests.Since tree sap is running and bark is loose, it isn’t a good time for forest works anyway,” said Uuetalu.

Tavo Uuetalu pointed out that the felling-free season does not necessarily mean that a farmer can’t collect firewood from his greenwood, since birds that prefer to live in bushes live there, and a little clatter does not disturb their offspring.

Simultaneously with the implementation of the felling-free season, RMK began the execution of forest management works (e.g., reforestation and maintenance of young growth), which will last throughout the summer.All together, approximately 2500 people will be busy maintaining the 28 000 ha of young forest during this summer season.

RMK is a profit-making state agency established under the Forestry Act, aimed at sustainable and efficient management of the state forest.RMK grows reforestation materials, organises forestry works, is engaged in the sale of forest and timber and organises game upkeep.In addition, RMK establishes opportunities for hiking in nature and forest recreation on recreational areas, in Estonia’s five national parks and 40 other protected areas, and shapes awareness of nature.RMK manages 38% of Estonia’s forests.


Tavo Uuetalu
Member of Management Board of RMK

Cell phone:
50 45 069
E-mail:
tavo.uuetalu@rmk.ee